This time last year, the weather in Mazama was still summer like. The air was warm, the sky a brilliant shade of blue and snow a distant memory. This year on our first day of hiking we encountered more snow than we had planned for and I was very happy I threw my hat, gloves and scarf in at the last minute. When it comes to hiking in the Autumn the best advice I can give is overdress and be extra prepared.

After apple picking and pumpkin hunting we arrived late in the afternoon to Mazama. We still wanted to squeeze in a hike before sunset, so we decided to hike to Blue Lake. Blue Lake is an easy 4.4 miles roundtrip hike with only a mere 1050 feet elevation gain. The hike to the lake was beautiful as we weaved our way in and out of the forest, the brilliant golden larch contrasted nicely off the fresh white snow. With the winter like trail conditions it was nice to be on a gradual incline the entire way up.